McElroy injured, Sanchez to start Jets’ finale

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan announced quarterback Mark Sanchez will start Sunday’s season finale against the Buffalo Bills with Greg McElroy being evaluated for a concussion.

“Greg McElroy was lifting and experienced headaches,” Ryan said. “Come to find out that Greg wasn’t exactly truthful with our training staff after the game. He never disclosed any (consussion) symptoms after the game to our trainers. But right now he’s being evaluated for a concussion and with that, there’s no way I’m going to play him.

“There’s no doubt. I don’t care what the tests say. We’re going to err on the side of caution there. So we’re definitely, he will be out for the game.”

Ryan said he knows that starting Sanchez will cause backup quarterback Tim Tebow to be again displeased that he isn’t starting.

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“I had the conversation with both Mark and Tim (Tebow) a few minutes ago about what I was going to do,” Ryan said. “Obviously, Tim’s not happy with that, as you’d expect.”

McElroy replaced Sanchez as the starter last week, but was sacked 11 times in a loss to the San Diego Chargers. Ryan said he was surprised to discover McElroy had suffered a concussion — especially this late prior to the next game.

“Well, I was stunned by it,” Ryan said. “I admire his courage and everything else, but you have to be truthful (with the medical staff), and I think that’s a lesson learned here.

“The fact he really wanted to play, I understand the competitive side of Greg and all that, but the most important thing is the health of the players. And obviously, I just feel fortunate that something like this showed up without him going out there again and putting himself in harm’s way. But again, was I stunned by it? Yeah, I would say so.”

Ryan said he went with Sanchez over Tebow because two practices remain before the Sunday’s game and his success during a 48-28 victory over the Bills in the season opener.